Former Arsenal captain reveals why he will never return to the club, he claims one thing is ‘sensitive’

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A lot of former players have returned to Arsenal in non-playing roles after retiring, but there is one who will never be welcomed.

Manager Mikel Arteta and academy director Per Mertesacker both won the FA Cup as Arsenal captains during their playing days.

Edu Gaspar and Jack Wilshere also recently departed, having returned in director and coaching roles after retiring as trophy-winning midfielders.

Whilst the door is open to most ex-players, with Tomas Rosicky now linked with the Arsenal sporting director job, former captain Robin van Persie has admitted that he will never follow in these footsteps.

• READ MORE: All Arsenal legends in the Premier League Hall of Fame from Henry to Wenger

Robin van Persie makes Arsenal return admission

Van Persie was a truly sensational striker for Arsenal, but he left in the worst possible way. The Dutchman fell out with senior figures at the club before forcing a move to Manchester United, and to this day, Arsenal fans have not forgiven him.

He is aware of this, and Van Persie has now told Sportscast that the nature of his departure means that he will never be welcomed back, even in a coaching role.

“Well, I don’t expect to work at Arsenal. I think that door is closed,” he revealed.

“Because of my switch to Manchester United, that is my assessment. You never know in football, but that is my assessment. It is still sensitive for them, not for me.

“It is especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans.”

Arsenal struck gold in recruiting former players

Arsenal Invincible Martin Keown recently revealed his frustration that a lot of legends were not handed roles at the club under Arsene Wenger, but it is a different story now.

Arteta has rebuilt Arsenal into a title-challenging side, and has repaired the connection between the club and the fanbase.

Hiring ex-players has proven to be successful, but there is simply too much bad blood for Van Persie to ever return in a similar manner to his old teammates.

The former striker is currently managing Heerenveen in The Netherlands, but whilst Van Persie has an admirer in Kai Havertz, the day may never come when Arsenal fans forgive him for joining Man United.